Ohio State’s offense gets plenty of headlines, but the real backbone of this 2025 Buckeyes team might be its defense.
If the Buckeyes are going to secure back-to-back national championships, this unit could be the deciding factor. Week after week, Ohio State has shut down opponents in every possible way, putting together one of the most complete defensive seasons in recent program history.
The Buckeyes currently rank No. 1 nationally in opponent points per game, opponent yards per game, opponent points per play, opponent yards per play, and opponent red-zone scoring. Translation: teams can’t move the ball, they can’t finish drives, and they rarely find the end zone. That level of consistency is what championship defenses are built on.
It doesn’t stop there. Ohio State also ranks second in opponent rushing attempts per game, opponent yards per pass, and opponent passing yards per game. They’re sixth in opponent yards per rush, proving they can suffocate teams on the ground or force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations through the air.
This is a defense that plays fast, communicates well, and adjusts on the fly. It’s the kind of elite, fundamentally-sound group that can flip a playoff game or carry momentum when the offense hits a rough patch. With the postseason approaching, Ohio State isn't just chasing another title, they’re doing it with a defense built to dominate anyone in their path.
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